Series to Highlight National Film Registry Modern Classics

The Library of Congress will host a special outdoor film festival this summer to showcase several modern classics that have been added to the Library’s National Film Registry. The six-film series—“LOC Summer Movies on the Lawn”—will be presented on Thursday evenings at 8 p.m. from July 13 through August 17 on the north lawn of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building, across the street from the U.S. Capitol.

Tickets for this event are now available, but not required, on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and to secure tickets, visit the event-ticketing site at the links below. Entry is not guaranteed.

“There’s something special about sitting under the stars watching a good movie with family and friends, so we’re excited to invite everyone to the lawn of America’s Library this summer to enjoy some great modern classics,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “Getting to show off the richness and diversity of the National Film Registry is a great bonus.”

Starting with “The Princess Bride,” which was added to the National Film Registry last year, and ending with the 2015 registry selection “Ghostbusters,” the scheduled films include:

Located between the Supreme Court and the Jefferson Building, 10 First St., SE (running the length of East Capitol Street between First and Second Streets, SE), the north lawn of the Jefferson Building provides a comfortable space for people to watch the feature films. Moviegoers are welcome to bring picnics, and a selection of food trucks will be invited to park along East Capitol Street so that attendees can purchase food and beverages.

Under the terms of the National Film Preservation Act, each year the Librarian of Congress names to the National Film Registry 25 motion pictures that are “culturally, historically or aesthetically” significant, showcasing the range and diversity of America’s film heritage to encourage support for its preservation. The films must be at least 10 years old. The Librarian makes the annual registry selections after conferring with the distinguished members of the National Film Preservation Board (NFPB) and a cadre of Library specialists. Thousands of public nominations are also considered. More information about the National Film Registry can be found at loc.gov/film/.

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